This practicum paper describes an intervention to help parents increase their sense of empowerment. Expected outcomes of the intervention were that parents would: (1) increase their knowledge of concepts related to empowerment, such as control and nurturance; (2) experience a shift from an external to an internal locus of control; (3) observe an increase in autonomy in their children; and (4) decrease their need to control their children. The intervention consisted of a training session at which information on decision making, control, nurturance, and empowerment was presented. After the session, activity sheets were sent on a weekly basis to parents. These sheets described activities, such as affirming positive feelings and setting goals, that foster the development of a sense of empowerment. The intervention concluded with an interview of the parents. Outcomes were measured by 10-item pre- and post-tests, a checklist of beliefs about external or internal control, an autonomy scale for children, and a survey of attitudes toward children. Results of these measures indicated that none of the four expected outcomes was met. However, parents reported some worthwhile outcomes of the intervention. A 21-item reference list is provided. Appendices include copies of the measures used to assess the results of the intervention and copies of the activity sheets used during the intervention. (BC)

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